Falmouth places size limit on Route 1 businesses

November 27, 2012 in Articles

Author: Matt ByrnePublication: Portland Press Herald

FALMOUTH — The Falmouth Town Council has voted unanimously to limit the size of new stores to 50,000 square feet on a one-mile stretch of Route 1.

An aerial view of the Falmouth business district along Route 1. A new zoning law limits the size of ground-floor businesses in the retail zone between Bucknam Road and Route 88, which is currently home to a Walmart, a Shaw's supermarket, and a massive shopping complex that is dotted by vacancies.

The step is the first in a series of efforts to reinvigorate the business district, repave the highway and add streetscape and landscaping elements designed to attract pedestrian traffic.

The zoning law applies to ground-floor businesses in the retail zone between Bucknam Road and Route 88, which is currently home to a Walmart, a Shaw's supermarket, and a massive shopping complex that is dotted by vacancies.
"With a vote tonight this council will take a major step in defining the character of our town," Bonnie Rodden, vice chair of the Town Council, said during the meeting Monday evening. "With this vote we're giving parameters to the business community."

The effort is also aimed at limiting the expansion of so-called big box stores into the area.

The ordinance represents a compromise from four months ago, when councilors discussed a 30,000- square-foot limit. Two councilors on the board, Tony Payne and Council Chairwoman Faith Varney, had as recently as October advocated for a larger cap of 90,000 square feet, saying the higher limit would encourage development and investment.

The compromise – 50,000 square feet – is roughly the size of a typical Hannaford or Shaw's supermarket.

In comments before the vote, Varney seemed to have capitulated to the broader wishes of her colleagues.

"We've come a long way," Varney said. "I'm not sure I agree, but the way this council is, I think it's where we're going."

Exempt from the limitations are hotels, motels, public utilities, outdoor eating areas, and outdoor sales areas, according to the ordinance.

Existing buildings larger than 50,000 square feet are also exempt from the law, and would be allowed to expand up to 60,000 square feet without penalties.

A proposal to expand the Walmart at 206 Route 1 from 92,000 to 124,000 square feet will be allowed to go forward because plans were submitted to the town before the ordinance passed the council.

The stretch of road includes the Falmouth Shopping Center at 251 Route 1, which contains several vacancies, including a 52,000-square-foot former Shaw's supermarket.